Creative Director, Stories

OpenAI • San Francisco, CA

19h

About The Position

OpenAI didn’t begin as a traditional company. It began as an idea: that artificial intelligence could be developed in a way that benefits everyone. As a creative team, our role is to help make sure the work behind that idea is understood, as it leaves the lab and meets the world. This company works at the frontier of intelligence. Like any frontier, it’s unfinished, constantly shifting, and still being explored. Our job is to stay close to that uncertainty and help shape how this story gets told, in a way that feels grounded and human. We do this through campaigns, launches, films, brand systems, and work that doesn’t fit neatly into any of those categories yet. This team is for people who want to help shape something from the beginning. We’re looking for an experienced Creative Director to lead the Stories team and shape a slate of films that bring real AI use cases to life. This role blends editorial storytelling, documentary filmmaking, and creative direction to craft narratives that resonate with broad audiences. You’ll lead the development of story concepts from early narrative and visual exploration through production and final film—working closely with copywriters, art directors, producers, and cross-functional partners across product, research, and marketing. The ideal candidate has deep experience in developing compelling stories and partnering with world-class filmmakers to craft documentary-driven narratives, with a strong instinct for identifying human narratives that illustrate the impact of emerging technology. This role sits within OpenAI’s in-house Creative Studio and requires someone who can operate both strategically and creatively—helping shape how AI’s real-world impact is documented and shared with the world. Travel is required for this role.

Requirements

• Have significant experience as a creative director, documentary filmmaker, or narrative director developing long-form film or editorial storytelling.
• Have a strong portfolio of cinematic storytelling, documentary work, or narrative film.
• Are highly skilled at developing stories from early ideas through written narrative and visual execution.
• Have experience directing or overseeing production with filmmakers, editors, and creative teams.
• Can translate complex or technical topics into engaging human stories.
• Are collaborative and comfortable working with cross-functional partners in fast-moving environments.
• Have strong instincts for identifying meaningful cultural or technological stories.
• Are excited about exploring how AI is shaping creativity, work, and everyday life.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative vision and narrative strategy for OpenAI’s Stories program, developing films that highlight meaningful consumer AI use cases.
• Identify and develop compelling story ideas—spotlighting creators, builders, and communities using AI in transformative ways.
• Shape stories from concept through script, editorial structure, production and post production.
• Creatively oversee film productions, collaborating with directors, cinematographers, editors, and production partners to achieve a high storytelling and craft bar.
• Translate complex technology into clear, human narratives that are emotionally engaging and culturally relevant.
• Partner closely with story development partners, product, research, communications, and marketing teams to surface stories that demonstrate AI’s real-world impact.
• Guide the Stories team’s creative process—from story discovery and narrative development to production and post.
• Maintain a high creative bar across all films, ensuring they feel cinematic, thoughtful, and distinctly OpenAI.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees